Public health physicians focus on improving the health of communities and reducing the incidence of illness and injury. For example, they may set up inoculation clinics for the flu or create programs to control the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS. They may also help communities to respond to health threats such as bioterrorism or natural disasters. While many provide direct patient care, they may also work as researchers or program managers. They need diagnostic and clinical skills in addition to an understanding of the risks and causes of disease and other health conditions.

Education

Many public health physicians complete undergraduate degrees in biology or a science-heavy "pre-med" program in preparation for medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years, during which students learn both theory and clinical skills. They must also pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. The New York State Department of Health notes that public health physicians must have board certification in preventive medicine or hold a master’s degree in public health. Loyola University’s Stritch College of Medicine offers a master of science in public health designed for physicians. Students can focus on one of three tracks; health policy and law, epidemiology or health management.

Work Environment

Public health physicians work in nearly every setting, including academia, managed-care organizations, government agencies and community health clinics. Some work directly with patients, providing the same care as a primary care physician. Others never interact with patients; instead, they monitor and identify trends in health and disease or establishing health-care guidelines or programs. Some public health physicians start medical school with the intention of working in public health. Others, however, start out as primary care physicians and transition to public health later in their careers.

Duties

Unlike primary care physicians, public health physicians emphasize the prevention of disease rather than diagnosis and treatment. They focus primarily on the health of communities and populations instead of individuals. Those working at colleges and universities may teach medical students or conduct research. Those working for government agencies may propose health-care legislation or oversee health-related offices and commissions at the city, state or federal level. Many public health physicians develop health care improvement and disease prevention initiatives, in addition to educating the public and health-care community. Those overseeing community clinics treat patients and monitor the occurrence and spread of disease. They may have to develop programs designed for the communities their clinics serve.

Occupational Hazards

As with any medical role, public health physicians risk illness or injury when interacting with patients. They must follow thorough safety procedures to avoid infection, and must use caution when treating patients who are violent, mentally ill, under the influence of drugs or alcohol or frightened. They must also use caution when handling medications, syringes or other medical equipment. In addition, many public health physicians face significant emotional stress, especially those who work at community clinics where the demand for care sometimes exceeds the time, staff and financial resources available. Those working in non-clinical settings don’t face these challenges, but sometimes face frustration when attempting to educate the public or lawmakers about the need for better health practices and health-care programs